Chicken A La King Page Sixteen

“Sam, you can’t do this to me.”
“I’m sorry my dear, but look what you have done to me. You have made a fool of our marriage.”
“Sam, it was an accident!”
“You have had one too many accidents my darling.”
“You must rethink this.....You must!”
“Oh, I have thought a great deal about you. You are the one that should have done the thinking.”
“Please, don’t do this to me.”
“I will take care of you, of course....I have arranged for an undisclosed sum to be presented to you when we return to the United States. From then on you will be free my darling and can do as you wish.”
“I beg you, please...please...give me one more chance. Just one.” Tears rolled down her face and she was sobbing into the pillow. A nurse handed her some Kleenex. Sam looked at her and his heart melted. She was just a womanchild. His face softened. Maybe one more chance, if she really loved him she would behave. Maybe that was why he had flown all this way, because she was truly his wife.
“Alright my love. I will give you one more chance.”
“Thank you, darling, thank you. i am so sorry. I will never embarass you again. I love you Sam.”
“I love you too my dear. I will be back in the morning and we’ll fly back to New York.”
He kissed her on the forehead and left the room without turning back. People can change, thought Sam. Maybe this was the right thing to do. The reporters caught wind of him just as he was entering the waiting car for him. The door slammed shut and a thousand flashbulbs went off.
Manuel woke early, it was six am. Even the chickens were still sleeping he thought. He got out of bed and went downstairs to the kitchen were Rosalita was fixing breakfast.
“Good morning.”
“Good morning.”
“Would you like a cup of coffee?”
“Yes.”
She poured him a cup of coffee. Ah, it tasted good. nice and strong, just as he liked it. Rosalita was in good form today, turning bacon over in the frying pan.
“I’m going to see Mrs. Crenshaw this morning, love.”
“Oh really?”
“Yes, the boss wants us to expand the farm, get more space by using land from other farms.”
“Good luck.”
“Yes, she’s a difficult old lady.”
“If anybody can talk ot her it’s you Manuel.”
“I’ll try.”
She put the plate of bacon and eggs in front of him. He started to eat.
“I’m going shopping today with Pedro.”
“Call me.”
“I will.”
He finished eating and got up and gave her a kiss.
“Bye love.”
“Bye Manny.”
Manuel walked to his car and thought how lucky he was to have it all in the world. He loved the farm and his job. He would protect it to the end. He turned the key in the truck and started down the long dirt road over to Mrs Crenshaws place.
Mrs Crenshaws farm was over one hundred acres. It had been in the family a long time and the old lady would not sell it. Mr Fullbein and given her offers for alot of money to sell, but she held on tight. Manuel knocked on the door. He could hear movement behind the door. The screen door opened a crack and Mrs Crenshaw appeared. she was in her eighties wearing a flowered housedress and glasses.
“What’dya want?” an old voice said crankily
“Mrs Crenshaw?”
“Yeah......”
“My name is Manuel, Manuel Vargas....I’m here from the Super Chicken Ranch next door...I would like to talk with you......”
“What is there to talk about?”
“We, uh, my boss, Sam Fullbein would like to propose an idea to you”.
“I’m not interested in ideas.”
She shut the screen door and he stuck his hand in it.
“Please, Mrs Crenshaw.....Let me explain......We have a big ranch, as you know, but we need more land. We would like to lease some land from you to grow more chickens.”
“Hell no, no more chickens on this land. Brings too many damn rodents and flies.”
“We are prepared to offer you thirty thousand dollars a month for your land.”
“What? Thirty what?” her tone was confused,
“Thirty thousand a month, for your land.”
“Oh? And where would I live?”
“You can stay in your home if you wish, or Mr Fullbein will provide you with a house.”
“I don’t know.....”
“I am here merley to propose this to you Mrs Crenshaw.”
“i am not selling my land!!”
“No, we are not buying it from you. Just leasing it, borrowing it for five years.”
“Five years?”
“Yes.”
“Then what happens?”
“Then you have back your land and your house...Or you can sell your land to us at that time.”
“Sell? Who said anything about selling....I ain’t sellin’?”
“Please...Consider our offer. Here’s my telephone number.”
“Alright, I’ll think about it.I don’t like chickens much.”
“Thank you, I will talk to you soon, please give me a call.”
“Bye now.”
She shut the door and Maunuel walked away. He had accomplished something he thought. The boss would be pleased if they got the land. One hundered acres was plenty of room for more houses to be built.
The Southwest sky was a beautiful parade of orange and purple hues. Ali and Scott drove along highway 495 on the road to New Mexico. Scott hummed along to a tune by Johnny Cash on the radio.
“I love country music.” he said
“So do I...he’s a legend. Like Elvis...Tell me more about Elvis.”
“What do you want to know?”
“What he was like.”
“Well now, he was a good man, had a kind heart and a strong spirit. Thats why he reached out to so many hearts.”
“Yeah, he touched alot of people.”
“I think you touch people too Scott.”
“You think? I try.”
“I’ve seen you with fans, the way they reach out to you. Its genuine.”
“I try.”
“Can you sing a song for me, any song?”
“Right here?”
“Yes.....Come on, I’m your audience.”
He began to sing softy.

“Take the ribbons from your hair
Shake it loose and let it fall
Lay it soft against your skin
Like the shadows on the wall
Come and lay here by my side
Tell the Earth upon you lied
All I’m takin is your time
Help me make it through the night...”

She reached over and gave him a kiss.
“That was beautiful.”
The city lights from Santa Fe were ahead of them and the boys highbeamed them from the bus behind them. The architecture got more indigineous as they neared the town, with adobe houses and buildings everywhere. They pulled into the Inn of The Turquoise Bear. It was an acre of terraced gardens, meandering flagstone paths and soaring ponderosa pines. They got out and stretched.
“Come on, let’s go check it out.” Scott said.
They walked into the high beamed ceiling lobby and walked up to the reception desk. A young clerk greeted them. He eyed the Elvis costume and raised his eyebrows.
“Hi ya folks, welcome to the Inn Of the Turquoise Bear.”
“Thanks, we’re the Taking Care of Business Band.”
“Oh yes, I have your reservation here......Is this your first time to the Turquoise Bear?”
“Yes.”
“Let me tell you a bit about it.....The Inn was owned by Witter Bynner who was a prominent citizen of Santa Fe. Bynner was a noted essayist, poet and a staunch advocate of human rights. He and Robert Hunt, his partner of thirty years were famous for the parties they hosted here. Some noted guests of the Turquoise Bear included Ansel Adams, Georgia O’Keef, Robert Frost and Martha Graham. Well, thats some of the history, you will find out more as you wander through the grounds. You’re staying in the Robert Hunt Suite. Please follow me.”
They followed the clerk up to the second floor and he opened the door to their room. It was spacious with a large fireplace, hardwood floors and a kingsize bed with beamed columns. It was a peaceful, beautiful space and Ali was glad they had finally arrived.
“Enjoy....Breakfast is at seven am in the dining room.” said the clerk.
Ali sat on the edge of the bed and lay back against the soft pillows.
“I think I’m going to take a nice long hot bath.”
“Alright, i’m going to have a drink with the boys at the bar.”
He gave her a kiss and left her alone in the hotel room. She slowly undressed in front of the long mirror and looked at her reflection in the mirror. She had firm breasts and long legs. She had lost weight recently with all the commotion about Chet and wasn’t too hungry these days. Maybe it was because she was in love.
She thought of Chet and how devasted he must be by her ultimate rejection of him. Now the whole town knew it was finally over between them, that she was an evil woman and had an Elvis impersonator for a boyfriend. She wondered what her parents would think of Scott.
He was worlds away from the men in Iowa. Of course they would laugh at him, laugh at his costumes and his hairdo. They were such meat and potato people. How would they understand an artist?
She wondered about Scott and why he was always in his costume. Didn’t he ever take a break and just be a normal person? She would ask him about this later on. First she had the bath running and she checked the temperature. It was just right. She poured in some bubble bath from the hotel and watched it foam up. She sank in and relaxed. It felt good to be off the road.
Ali thought about this new relationship. Scott was a wonderful man. He was easy to talk to and fun to be with. He always had surprises for her and was a challenge. The only thing that bothered her was his constant need for attention. Would it ever be just them? Or did he always need adoration from his fans?
‘Baby.”
Scott appeared at the bathroom door. He undid his shirt.
“Maybe I’ll step in there with ya.”
“Come on in, the water’s fine.”
She watched him undress and liked what she saw. He had a hairy chest, very muscular legs and big strong arms. He slid into the tub opposite her. She wiped some bubbles on him.
“Man! I am wiped out!”
“Yeah, me too.”
“What do you say we order some food and relax in the room?”
“Sounds good to me.”
“Come here.”
“I can’t!”
“Okay, then I’ll come there.......”
He leaned over and kissed her, her wet body clinging to his.
“Come on, lets go lie down on the bed.”
They stepped out of the tub and dried each other off. He carried her over to the bed and lay her down on the soft pillows.
“You’re my baby girl,” he said, stroking her hair.
“Kiss me you fool.”
He kissed her and they lay making love in the darkness for hours.
Sam and Mindy arrived back in New York at Kennedy airport. Feelings were strained between them and Sam had hardly spoken to her on the long flight from Italy. Mindy was feeling neglected and alone.
The city loomed ahead of them, thousands of sparkling lights as they drove over the George Washington Bridge. Sam sat rigid in his seat, staring out the window. He finally spoke.
“I want you to be my wife again.”
“I am your wife Sam.”
“I want you to honor me Mindy.”
“I will.”
“And obey.”
Mindy was silent.
The limo arrived at the townhouse and the driver opened the door. The dog was there, barking furiously at them in excitement. Mindy looked around at the house. It was all perfect, like a museum. Cold, austere, like Sam. She wished he was warmer, happier, not so grouchy all the time. She looked through a huge stack of mail and noticed a postmark from Colorado. Her youngest brother Jason lived there. She opened the brown, kraft paper envelope with sloppy handwriting on it.
Jason was the black sheep of the family. He had bought a ranch after getting out of rehab for a bad drug habit. He was stubborn and proud and would listen to no one in the family. He now kept a stable of horses out there. She read the letter.

Dear Mindy,

Hi from your wonderful brother. I heard about your accident and I am very sorry to hear about what happened. I hope you are okay. I would have called Sam but didn’t want to bother the old coot.

Things are alright here. I’ve got two new guys helping me run things and we’re whipping the house into shape. Almost all the renovations are done.

I hope you can come out and visit me soon. It would be great to see you.

Again, my deepest regrets about what happened. My thought are with you.

Your brother,

Jason

She folded the letter and put it into her bag. Her back was aching and she walked slowly up the steps to their bedroom. She couldn’t wait to lay down and rest. She vowed to herself to be good. This was like a message from God, a message too strong to ignore. If she was good she would make it to five years and she would be entitled to five million dollars. She would stay with Sam even if he was a bore. She kicked off her shoes and lay down. She was asleep instantly.
Sam walked downstairs to his secret room. Mindy was upstairs resting and he took the opprotunity to catch up on the latest Mona Meredith gossip. He unlocked the door and sat down at his computer. He pulled up the actresses website. There she was, in all her glory. The latest from Hollywood was that she would star in a new film to be filmed in Africa.
Africa! How wonderful and exotic, it was so like her. He imagined her in a leopard skin loincloth swinging on a branch, so free and wild, like the animals she loved and defended so.
Mona Merdith was in Los Angeles in the plush office of Blake Thompson, the head of the film division for Star Pictures. She was signing her latest deal for ten million dollars to star in the remake of The African Queen, this time to be shot in Africa on a tight twentyone day shooting schedule.
Blake pushed the contract in front of her. She poised her pen and signed her name on the dotted line. This would be just the boost her career needed. She had been doing television for years now and wanted a change.
Mona thought about Steve, her ex-husband. He was on tour now with his band. He always succombed to crazy antics while on the road, when he would inevitably get drunk, call her or show up in a helicopter to surprise her. These were the antics that had attatracted her in the beginning, and they also were the reason why they had divorced.
He had caused her mental and physical pain and she was exhausted by his constant need for childish attention. Mona stopped thinking of Steve and thought of herself. She was on a strict diet for the new film. She had to lose ten pounds for the new role. This would be easy on her water diet. Her diet was three days of drinking water and then three days of eating leafy greens. It worked every time, the pounds just shed off. She was quite aware of her power in the press and was adamant about protecting animals. She was more than just a pretty face to contend with now in the media. She was an icon.
She finished signing her name.
“Wonderful” Blake said
“I feel like I just signed my life away.”
“You did.” he lauged a long , evil laugh
Star Pictures was a film factory and churned out box office hits. Mona was excited about working with her handsome co-star Chuck Demming, who was a brilliant actor. He had been coached by his mother, a prominent acting coach in Los Angeles. He was six feet, six inches tall with sandy brown hair and a rugged face. He was the new Clark Gable. Together they would take the world by storm.
Manuel looked at his watch. It was two o’clock. Some inspectors from the country were due today, he had alot of work to do before they showed up. There were fences to be painted, food to be rationed and windows to be fixed.
His cellphone rang.
“Manuel?”
“Yes Boss?”
“Did you talk to that woman on the farm?”
“Yes, I did. She doesn’t have an answer yet.”
“I need the space, we need to expand. What did you offer her?”
“Thirty thousand a month, like you said.”
“I see.....Let’s see if she responds.”
“Yes Boss.”
“Anything else happening there?”
“There’s an inspection today. It’s routine, the county does an annual inspection of all agricultural farms every year.”
“Make sure it’s all up to code.”
“Yes Boss.”
Manuel began painting a fence, white paint dripping thickly off his brush. It was going to be a long day. It was hot and he was sweating in the afternoon sun.
Lili and Ritchie were snuggled in the barn. Ricthie stood up and stretched his feathers.
“I think I’ll take a little stroll around the yard.”
“Alright.”
He set of on his stroll, walking past the old tractor and through the massive barn doors. He rounded the corner and came face to face with a big black dog. the dog barked at him. He stood up to him.
“Whatcha want?” said Ritchie
“This is my yard.” The dog said “You belong in the Big House”
“Mind your own business.”
“Don’t get smart with me chicken boy.”
Ritchie turned around and headed back to the barn, enough of this harrassment.
A white truck was pulling up the long driveway to the ranch. Two men were inside with hats on. They got closer, the dust kicked up behind them. Maunel looked up from painting. He put his brush down. They were here. He hoped that the Ranch would meet code. He had cleaned the barn and the yard, but the Big House was too overcrowded with birds.
The men got out of the truck and approached him.
“Howdy.” said a tall man
“Hello. I am Manuel Vargas, I am the ranch manager.”
“We’re here to inspect the place, it won’t take too much of your time.”
“Go ahead...if you need anything please call me.”
The two men went about their business, taking notes and taking pictures with a digital camera. They returned to Manuel.
“Well, I think we’re about done here. We’ll call you and let you know if there’s any violations.”
“Very well.”
“You take care now Mr Vargas....That’s Mexican ain’t it?”
“Yes.” Manuel said quietly.
“Adios.”
The tall man tipped his hat and they got in the truck and drove off.
Scott woke up. He didn’t know what time it was...The blackout curtains were shut tight, blocking out any rays of sun. He got dressed in a black jumpsuit and black boots, careful not to wake Ali and walked to the dining room for breakfast. The band was there. Bruce the drummer came over to him.
“Hey old man.” said Bruce
“Hi Bruce.”
“Ready for the big show tonight?”
“Yeah...”
Scott eyed the buffet.
“I’m starved. What the hell they got here?”
“Pancakes, toast, bacon, eggs, cereal, fruit.”
They filled their plates and the whole band sat down to eat.
“So Scott, how’s it going with your girl?”
“Ah, she’s great.”
“She’s a fox, bet she’s a tiger in the sack.”
“Hey! Watch it!! Cool it man, here she comes.”
Ali came over and took a seat beside Scott.
“Hi guys.”
“Hi!” they said
“Ali, you ready to go and see the town?”
“Ready.”
Two Japanese women came over to the table with their cameras.
“Elvis the King?” One of the ladies asked “Howdy Ma’am, you sure are looking pretty this mornin’”.
She giggled.
“Oh thank you so much Mr. Elvis. Can I take a picture?”
“Go ahead.”
They posed for a photograph and then the two ladies left. The guys from the band got up to leave.
“We’ll see you guys later.” said Scott.
Ali suddenly got annoyed.
“Why are you dressed up in your costume when the show isn’t until tonight? Can’t you be normal for once?”
“What?” Scott was confused
“I mean, we’re just going to spend the day together, why do you have to be Elvis? Why can’t you just be you?”
Scott got defensive
“Because, Ali, this is who I am. I am Elvis.”
“No Scott, you’re you. Isn’t that good enough sometimes?”
“Well Ali, you just don’t undertsand. We’re in town to do a show. I have to promote that show at all times. Everybody here in Santa Fe has to know The King is in town.”
“I don’t know.”She said shaking her head.
“Ah, come on sweetie, don’t be so down on it.
“I guess I am just not used to all the attention all the time.”
“I know but listen to me and listen up good. I am only going to say this once. This is who I am and if you can’t accept it then you can leave.”
“Oh really? Is that how it is?”
“Look, Ali, I don’t want you to leave, okay? I just want you to accept me for who I am and appreciate what I am trying to do.”
“Well, sometimes I don’t know who you are.”
“You’ll learn.” He tilted her chin up.
“Ready to go to town?”
“Yeah, I guess so”
Scott and Ali jumped on the motorcycle that Scott was towing behind the motorhome and sped off towards town. Nelson Heinz was parked and followed them at a distance. He phoned Sam.
“Nelson here.”
“Whats going on?”
“Not much yet, we’re in new Mexico now, he’s doing a show here. I’m surveilling them like a hawk.”
“Keep your eyes on them.”
“Yes sir.”
Nelson followed the bike into town. Scott and Ali parked on a sidestreet and strolled towards the shops and art galleries.
It was a short flight from LAX to Santa Fe and Mona Meredith checked into the Inn At The Tuquiose Bear in disguise. Sante Fe was one of her favorite escapes from Hollywood and she loved to shop in Santa Fe, to collect new artwork and enjoyed the Southwestern cuisine there, She doubted that anyone would recognize her in her black wig and sunglasses.
Mona went out and had dinner alone at a quiet restaurant. The food there was noted for its unique Southwestern taste. It was good being anonymous. Tommorrow she would hit the art galleries, looking for some unique pieces for her vast collection.
Scott and Ali were getting dressed for the show. Scott had on a powder blue jumpsuit with multi-colored stones in the front and white boots with sunglsses and a red scarf around his neck. He looked like Elvis to the max. He was busy applying his makeup in the mirror and reeked of Musk cologne. It was a favorite of the fans.
“Almost ready?”
“Yes.”
He emerged from the bathroom.
“How do I look?” “Like the King Himself, you’re rockin’ babe.”
The Tribute Room was packed with Elvis fans. Busy waitresses served drinks and they waited for the show to begin. The house lights dimmed and the spotlight shone on Elvis. He was magnificient, the King was alive!! The crowd roared and stood on their feet clapping and calling his name. Scott started with Hound Dog. Some women took off their bras and underwear and threw them at the stage. It was a great show. The band was really cooking.
Mona Meredith sneaked in the show through the side entrance. She watched as Elvis turned the crowd on. He was good! He really captured the personality of the man.
The band took a break and the fans rushed at Elvis.
“Can I have an autograph?”
“Where can I buy a CD?”
“Can I have a kiss?”
Mona waited until the line was shorter and then approached Scott.
“Hello.”
“Hello pretty lady.”
“I thought you were really great up there.”
“Thank you very much.”
“i was wondering if you could do me a favor.”
“You name it pretty lady.”
“I’m a big fan of yours and I know you love animals....Could you dedicate the next song to all the abused animals out there.”
“Why surley Ma’am....By the way, what’s your name?”
“Mona.”
“Alright Mona, we’ll see what the band can do for you.”
Mona watched in the corner as Elvis took the stage for the second set.
“Ladies and Gentlemen, we have a special request tonight, Mona would like this next song dedicated to all the abused animals in the world. I hope that the abuse ends and we can all live in peace soon. Mona, this song is for you darlin.” He sang “Don’t Be Cruel.”

“You know I can be found
Sitting home all alone
If you can’t come around
At least please telephone
Don’t be cruel to a heart thats true

Baby, if I made you mad
For something I might have said
Please lets forget the past
The future looks bright ahead Don’t be cruel to a heart thats true
I don’t want no other love
Baby its just you I’m thinkin of.”

Mona stood on her feet and clapped. She was glad to be in disguise and that she had met Elvis. After the song was over she tapped him on the shoulder.
“That was wonderful....Can I have one of your cards?”
“Surely Ma’am.”
He handed her a glossy card. Nelson Heinz watched the show from a corner of the room in the shadows of the bright lights. He dialed the phone.
“Boss.”
“Yeah, what’s up?”
“He just sang a song and dedicated it to all the abused animals in the world.”
“He didn’t mention me, did he?”
“No sir.”
“Good, keep on this guy. He’ll fuck up sooner or later.”
“Yes sir.”
Nelson watched and waited. sooner or later something would give, it was only a matter of time.